A heated argument about ethanol mixed gasoline

Although the US government encourages the use of ethanol-based gasoline, critics argue that the "cleaner and cheaper" fuel could harm the engines and cars of old cars.

The US market has now begun to show new E15 gasoline, containing 15% ethanol, which is 10% higher than ethanol and sold at most fuel stations in the country.

E15 gasoline is currently being sold at nearly 20 gas stations in the Midwest region of the United States, but may be distributed to other regions when the Obama administration considers the need to increase the amount of ethanol mixed with gasoline. Therefore, both interest groups supporting fossil fuels and opposition groups responding to ethanol into gasoline are actively campaigning from Congress to the White House and the Supreme Court.

Prices of all kinds of gasoline and diesel oil are listed at a fuel station in Oklahoma City, USA.(Photo: AP)

Earlier this week, the Supreme Court rejected a proposal to ban gasoline selling E15 by the American Petroleum Institute (API), the lobby manager of the oil industry.

Tom Buis, general manager of Growth Energy Group specializing in industrial ethanol, praised the decision as a victory for US consumers, helping them to have more choices about energy. Meanwhile, API calls the Supreme Court ruling a loss to consumers, safety and the environment.

"E15 gasoline is approved before the test for vehicles is complete. We now know that this high ethanol content can cause serious technical problems in millions. the car is rolling on the road, " said Harry Ng, the Vice President of API.

Controversy on E15 gasoline is the latest development in the persistent war on renewable fuel standards adopted by the US Congress in 2005 and revised in 2007. The law requires firms to refine fuel to date. increasing the amount of ethanol blended into gasoline each year as a way of reducing dependence on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions - a cause of global warming.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposes a production limit of 62.4 billion liters of gasoline and ethanol substitutes this year and is expected to nearly double this figure by 2022.

However, representatives of the oil industry, fuel refiners and some organizations that work for the environment, the standard has created an unnecessary economic burden on consumers. Using biofuel from corn also has major consequences for the agricultural sector, increasing pressure on food prices.

Ethical supporters argue that E15 is cheaper than regular gasoline and also helps cars and motorbikes to travel the same distance as E10 gasoline, Ethanol-based gasoline versions are being sold in most fuel stations. America. A Kansas retail gasoline chain owner said, in fact, there have not been any engine problems recorded in E15 vehicles since it was launched last year. .